24 maj 2008

My most precious plant

I'm celebrating today - celebrating the first bloom of Paeonia suffruticosa v. rockii.

Two years ago, I bought this plant. It wasn't very big when it arrived through the mail, and I wasn't really sure I had received the correct variety. But I needn't have worried - it was the delicate white, wild peony from China, that moved into my garden.

I didn't expect blooms for many years to come. But it only took this little shrub two years to develop its first flower. I know the flowers don't last very long, so I'm savouring every minute...














Tonight I'm celebrating this lovely bloom with champagne. Of all the plants that I've got in my garden, this is the most precious... /Katarina

18 kommentarer :

Tira sa...

Absolutely beautiful. The bloom is so delicate,and of course reminds one of the flowers depicted in many Asian paintings and textiles. Lucky you to get the real thing!

castor sa...

Very nice, indeed,
Thanks you very much for all this beautiful travel !
Castor

Threadspider sa...

If ever a plant deserved a champagne toast it has to be this one. It's glorious and I understand completely why it is precious to you.

Gail sa...

This plant deserves a celebration, it is luscious. At first it had the hint of blush but it erupted in a rich color...well, I'm not sure is it ruby red? Crimson? Purple burgundy...what would you say? Lovely!


gail

CanadianGardenJoy sa...

Katarina .. it is stunning ! what a beautiful colour combination ... I have never seen anything like it. I would also toast it with champagne .. waiting for something this precious to happen is such a gratifying event as a gardener. Well done ! .. I also am waiting for my first peony flower .. just a nice single red one called 'Flame" but this is my first peony and I'm excited .. like kids waiting for Christmas ? LOL .. enjoy this beautiful flower !
Joy

Karen sa...

Katarina, how wonderful, it really is a thing of beauty. Lovely photos too.
Regards
Karen
An Artists Garden

Julia Erickson sa...

Wow, that is worthy of champagne!

walk2write sa...

You are right. The lovely blooms last such a short time, but the plant will probably outlive all of us. The secret to longevity is probably stored somewhere in a peony's genetic makeup.

Curmudgeon sa...

It is because your garden is such a welcoming one that it bloomed sooner than you expected! What a delight. It is lovely.
--Curmudgeon

joey sa...

Indeed a beauty, Katarina. Wished I lived closer ... I would love to sip champagne and celebrate with you!

Viooltje sa...

If you ask me, peonies are definitely one of those plants that make every garden rich, and by that I mean rich in that oriental mysticism that has made peonies so popular with ancient emperors. Even one single bloom is of outstanding beauty, like the beautiful white that you have. Their fragility makes them even more precious, for they last for only a moment in time but yet they are back each spring to display another show of extravagance. Wonderful photos, you definitely have something to celebrate. Cheers!

Marie sa...

Stunning photos of your wild peon :)

Ewa sa...

true beauty deserves a glass of champagne :)

Anonym sa...

This is truly a fine plant that produces such an exqisite flower. Thanks for sharing your treasure.

lareine sa...

no wonder this is your most treasured plant --- the flower is so lovely! and i love the numerous stamens... well, here's to chinese peony! cheers!

FO - 2 sa...

It`s BEAUTIFUL! :)

Catherine sa...

Peonies are one of my favorite! We call them Pivoine. I like your serie of pictures. Really interesting to see the metamorphosis.

Terra sa...

Brilliant and unique flower, the purple red center against the white petals. You are right to celebrate it with champagne.